New Delhi: The vast expanse of Rajasthan is dotted with several historical places which are rich in heritage and culture, and each of them has its own story to tell which will transport us to the days of Rajput kings, their queens and the valour of the people who fought and built. One such place in Bundi, a place originally known as ‘Hadoti’. A historically rich place, it has several ancient monuments. Moreover, it has artefacts from the Stone Age, temples, intricate sculptures and murals, mediaeval forts, palaces and stepwells. Popular lore states that a former ruler of the Meena tribe, Bunda Meena inspired the name Bundi.
Bundi: Of forts and palaces, of rivers and trees
It is a popular notion that Nobel laureate Rudyard Kipling wrote a part of his famous novel ‘Kim’ in Bundi, a town in Rajasthan. In fact, he was immensely impressed by the place. And why won’t he? Bundi has forts which were constructed as per strategic locations, it has rivers, lakes and waterfalls. Outside the town, there are fertile farmlands dotted with flowers, vegetables, fruits and mustard. Bundi is surrounded by hilly forests, and indigenous villages. The charm of Bundi lies in its location, with orchards of guavas and mangoes surrounding the town and it is flanked by the Aravalli range.
The heritage of Bundi: A place steeped in history
The Hada Chauhans once ruled Bundi and it was the Hadoti Kingdom’s capital, as per many historians. The downfall of Bundi began in 1624 when Kota became an independent state. However, till today, Bundi has its charismatic medieval grandeur. The place has some magnificent forts like the Taragarh Fort, which is the foremost of the lot, and the Bundi Fort, located nearby. There is also the Sukh Mahal, a dilapidated palace in the Jait Sagar Lake. The town also has the Chaurasi-Khambon-ki-Chhatri, a cenotaph with 84 pillars, apart from other palaces and stepwells.
The art and culture of Bundi
In the 17th century, the Bundi school of painting emerged and it thrived in subsequent years. The town became famous for miniature paintings whose hallmark are lush greenery and stunning night skies. Stunning murals decorate the walls of the Bundi Palace and Chitra Shala, transporting us to mediaeval times. One can find handmade paintings from the Bundi School of Art in its markets. And when it comes to festivals, Bundi, like many other places in Rajasthan, becomes a kaleidoscope of colours. It celebrates the Gangaur Festival and the Teej Utsav with much enthusiasm, capturing the true essence of Rajasthan.
Bundi, Rajasthan, a town in the Hadoti region, boasts a rich history and cultural heritage. From its strategically built forts like Taragarh, to its stunning palaces and stepwells, Bundi offers a captivating glimpse into Rajputana glory. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
